Global job quality stagnates despite resilient growth: Challenges persist, especially for youth and women, the Employment and Social Trends 2026 report warns.

The International Labour Organization's Employment and Social Trends 2026 report reveals that despite global unemployment remaining stable, progress towards decent work has stagnated. The report highlights persistent challenges, particularly for youth and women, with nearly 300 million workers living in extreme poverty and 2.1 billion expected to hold informal jobs by 2026. Youth unemployment has climbed to 12.4 per cent, and women face significant barriers to employment, accounting for just two-fifths of global employment. The report also warns of the potential impact of artificial intelligence and trade policy uncertainty on the job market.